The Ghost-type Energy Tide Incident had finally come to a perfect conclusion.
Cynthia rightfully earned the MVP, and as the Champion's close ally, Rei Akagi also gained a small burst of fame and attention.
At times like this, he had something to say.
Why do people take these rating systems so seriously?
Ah…
They end up distorting people's genuine efforts.
Anyway…
Rei Akagi didn't stay happy about it for long.
With the support mission finished, it meant Cynthia would soon return to the Sinnoh region.
Although she was very interested in the follow-up artifact restoration work, being a Champion meant that while she enjoyed the privileges of the position, she also had to shoulder the corresponding responsibilities.
Professor Oak, on the other hand, wasn't in a hurry to leave.
Rumor had it he would soon attend an academic summit in Dragon City.
Eterna City Airport – Private Lounge
Garchomp efficiently sorted through a small mountain of luggage, packing and organizing everything with impressive speed.
Meanwhile, Gengar floated nearby, handing over smaller items and assisting with the packing.
They worked surprisingly well together.
Cynthia walked over with two cups of coffee, approaching Rei Akagi who was staring out the window.
"So…"
Her voice carried a hint of curiosity as she handed one cup to him.
"You still don't plan on telling me about those little secrets of yours?"
Rei Akagi accepted the coffee and took a symbolic sip.
Immediately—
A look of suffering appeared on his face.
He had never liked bitter drinks.
Life was already bitter enough.
People needed a little sweetness somewhere else to balance it out.
"Well…"
Rei Akagi set down the coffee cup and put on a serious expression.
"I'm actually the chosen savior appointed by Arceus. After completing my mission to save the world, it sent me to this world to enjoy my retirement."
Cynthia responded with a graceful eye roll.
She blew gently across the surface of her coffee and took an elegant sip, looking thoroughly satisfied.
Such a man full of lies.
Garchomp is better. At least it doesn't lie.
"If you don't want to say, that's fine."
She set down the coffee and changed the topic.
"By the way… when do you plan to visit Sinnoh?"
These days, people don't believe the truth anymore.
Rei Akagi grumbled internally.
He looked at Gengar floating over with a reluctant expression and grabbed its big face.
Why did it feel like Gengar was even more reluctant to part than he was?
Meeting Cynthia's clear, crystal-like eyes, Rei Akagi pushed aside his stray thoughts and answered casually.
"If nothing unexpected happens, I'll bring Gengar to travel in Sinnoh after I finish what I'm currently working on."
"We probably won't see each other for a while."
He hadn't known Cynthia for very long.
Although he did feel reluctant inside, he couldn't act as carefree as Gengar and show it openly.
"Really?"
Cynthia tilted her head slightly, a meaningful smile forming on her lips.
"I have a feeling…"
"That might not necessarily be the case."
Before Rei Akagi could respond, she called out to Garchomp.
"Let's go. It's time to leave."
"Graaah—"
Garchomp responded and neatly stacked the last suitcase.
Watching Cynthia's tall, elegant figure gradually disappear into the distance, Rei Akagi began to feel a faint sense of parting sadness.
But before the emotion could fully develop—
It was completely shattered by a sudden telepathic message from the Rayquaza coiled around his neck.
So… you're in heat now?
A vein popped on Rei Akagi's forehead.
Shut up!
If you can't speak properly, donate your mouth to a Pokémon that needs one!
That Night
Rei Akagi sat in front of his computer, preparing to start a livestream for the first time in a while.
This time he didn't turn on the camera.
The real streamer—Gengar—was currently busy inside his shadow, reorganizing the "government" of the Ghost Pokémon.
No time to appear on screen.
Before going live, Rei Akagi decided to recruit a few strong teammates in the group chat.
After all—
More people meant more power.
(Crossed out)
Better entertainment value.
He opened his phone.
The group chat was already lively.
Battle Man: …
Battle Man: @Breeder Man
Breeder Man: ?
Battle Man: I heard Professor gave Rei Akagi a Special Pokédex. What's his title ability? I need to prepare in advance.
Wait.
I can understand asking about my ability since we're all Special Pokédex holders…
But what do you mean prepare in advance?
Rei Akagi raised an eyebrow.
You're not actually planning to fight me offline, are you?
…Probably not.
Doesn't matter.
Gengar will handle it.
Shadow Space
Gengar suddenly sneezed without warning.
"Gengaa?"
It looked around in confusion.
I'm a ghost…
Why am I sneezing?
(ŎдŎ?)
Meanwhile, the group chat kept scrolling.
Cerulean Mermaid: He only got his title now? I thought he had one long ago.
Vermilion Harbor Transport Captain: Title? Speaking of which, I'm still the boss of Vermilion City.
Battle Man: @Cerulean Mermaid Yeah, I thought the professor gave it earlier too. Turns out it was recent.
Breeder Man: Where did you hear that?
Battle Man: @Evolution Man
Evolution Man: Red ! You sold me out that easily?! Just wait!
Battle Man: Huh? Was that supposed to be secret?
Breeder Man: The old man really did give Rei Akagi a Special Pokédex. As for his title ability…
Breeder Man: The professor described it vaguely. Something about representing hope and symbolizing miracles.
Battle Man: Ah! Now I'm even more excited to have a full-power battle with Brother Rei Akagi!
You're talking a bit too much, Green.
And you too, Red.
We're just online friends!
Rei Akagi remained silent, continuing to lurk.
At that moment, Yellow suddenly spoke up.
Healer: Um… maybe we could just ask Brother Rei Akagi directly…
Battle Man: !
Battle Man: Thank you Yellow! You're a good person! @DreamingOfRetiredSaltedFish
Breeder Man: Idiot.
Healer: No problem…
Rei Akagi knew he couldn't keep lurking anymore.
"DreamingOfRetiredSaltedFish" changed nickname to "Rainbow Man."
Rainbow Man: The professor gave me the title Rainbow. As for what ability it gives… I honestly don't know. I even suspect I might not have any special ability at all.
Breeder Man: Rainbow?
Breeder Man: Interesting name. A rainbow is made of seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Each color represents a pure form of energy.
Breeder Man: If all colors combine into one rainbow… does that imply omnipotence? A person who can do everything?
Breeder Man: Judging from your trainer skills and breeding knowledge so far, that explanation seems reasonable.
Battle Man: Makes sense!
Vermilion Harbor Transport Captain: Omnipotent???
Cerulean Mermaid: That's amazing…
Rock Solid: A real man!
Am I really that amazing?
Why didn't I know that myself?
Stop hyping me up.
Seriously.
If you keep praising me like this, even I'm going to get scared.
Afraid Green might say something even more outrageous, Rei Akagi quickly changed the topic.
Rainbow Man: Anyway, getting off topic. I'm starting a livestream soon. Recruiting two teammates—must be skilled, mentally stable, and capable of taking hits and dealing damage. First come, first served. Great benefits (meaning emotional encouragement).
Battle Man: 1
Breeder Man: Busy. Can't make it.
Evolution Man: I'll join!
Rainbow Man: @Breeder Man Dratini has a special fishing spot at Mt. Moon.
Breeder Man: ok
Everything was ready.
The livestream title:
"Live Stream Started—Get In Here!"
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